Wednesday, 31 March 2010

The event is being organised by VW Spririt Of Air Dorset, and will also be raising funds for Weymouth life boats (R.N.L.I). Weymouth council are giving their full support and have allowed the organiser's access to a fantastic area in Lodmoor Country Park. Access to the site is gained via the Weymouth Sea Life Centre car park.

Ferrari 250GT Spyder California which featured in Hollywood film to be sold

A replica of the Ferrari 250GT Spyder California specially created for the 1986 Paramount hit film ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ is to be sold at Bonhams Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia auction at 11am on 19th April at the RAF Museum, Hendon.

Only around one hundred genuine 250GT Spyder California’s were created by Ferrari between 1958 and 1963. Existing examples are very rare and expensive so Paramount chose to commission and build a replica for filming purposes. The film, voted by readers of Total Film magazine the 23rd greatest comedy of all time, follows Ferris and two of his friends skipping high school for a day and borrowing the Spyder California from one of their fathers. A young Matthew Broderick stars as Ferris who fakes illness to miss school, and convinces his girlfriend Sloane and his best friend Cameron to have a day of fun before they head off to their different colleges. The Dean of the school doesn’t believe Ferris’ deception and also becomes embroiled in their adventures. The film, starring this iconic car, was a huge hit (grossing over $70million in the US) and Broderick was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

Styled by Pininfarina, the classic lines of the car combine elegance and aggression, and it ranks alongside the Lusso as the ultimate expression of the Ferrari 250GT family. It was also a highly capable competition machine, as was demonstrated by Ginther/Hively winning their class at the Sebring 12 Hours in March 1958 on their way to finishing 9th overall, and Grossman/Tavano finishing 5th overall at Le Mans in June.

The car, estimated in this auction at £30,000-40,000 is ready to drive, so why not snap it up and have your own “day off.”

With Toleman offering the great Ayrton Senna his Formula 1 debut drive in the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix – where he finished an amazing 2nd - it was fitting that his nephew Bruno be presented a copy of this fantastic read by Toleman himself – who is present this week to run his single-make MINI Challenge series.

Bruno Senna showed much gratitude that Toleman took the time to personally deliver this piece of history to him and was delighted by the prospect of the read and perhaps discovering some new tales of his uncle in Formula 1.

The HRT F1 driver is currently at point in his career where is late Uncle was when Toleman brought him into the sport. It was clear today the presentation of the book was an emotional moment and one he will take with him through his racing career.

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

The Ducati Roadshow continues in 2010 bringing its event truck and demonstration fleet to even more events and bike meetings throughout the UK than last year.

The demonstrator fleet showcases the 2010 range including the new and much heralded Multistrada 1200. The Multistrada will be undoubtedly be a popular choice to test ride as this ‘four-bikes-in-one’ has wowed many with its performance, versatility and technological advancement.

Although the Multistrada will be the beacon of attention for many, it will not be overshadowed by a test fleet that includes the iconic Monsters - now with an ABS option, the Hypermotard 796 and 1100 Evo, the muscular Streetfighter and the fleet would not be complete without its majestic Superbikes including the stunning 1198 and the cornering gem that is the 848.

To take a test ride at any of these events, riders must have a valid motorcycle licence (both parts required) and appropriate clothing and safety gear. Local dealership staff will be on hand to give expert technical and service advice and trained riders will be there to guide all test rides.

The Ducati UK event truck along with a fleet of up to 14 demonstrator and 6 display bikes will make its first stop in Stafford at the Classic Motorcycle show on the 24th and 25th April before visiting a further 20 venues across the UK throughout the summer.More info: www.ducatiuk.com

Friday, 19 March 2010

Alfa Romeo – one of the World’s most revered automotive marques – will be celebrating in real style at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed (2-4 July) as the renowned Italian marque turns 100 years old.

The Festival of Speed will be a key focus of Alfa Romeo’s global centenary celebrations, with a striking automotive ‘sculpture’ in front of Goodwood House. With construction work due to commence shortly, the Alfa Romeo ‘Central Feature’ art installation is set to be one of the most stylish and memorable sculptures ever constructed for the Festival, representing the unique flair of one of the World’s most admired and celebrated automotive brands.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed will help mark Alfa Romeo’s global Centenary celebrations as the revered Italian marque celebrates its official 100th birthday in late June. In addition to the main central installation outside Goodwood House, a stunning display of desirable vehicles will be on show at the Festival, representing Alfa Romeo’s first 100 years. Included among these will be many cars never before seen in the UK, direct from the marque’s extensive Milan-based Museo Storico collection.

It is expected that more than 50 important Alfa Romeos will attend the 2010 Festival, ranging from examples of the pre-War P3, Monza, 12C-37 and 2900 B Le Mans, through to the 159 ‘Alfetta’, GTAm, Tipo 33, 185T, 164 Pro Car, and the unique V10-powered SE 048SP Group C prototype. It is hoped that the legendary Brabham-Alfa Romeo BT46B ‘fan car’ may also make a rare public appearance. On the tranquil lawns of the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours d’elegance, expect to see a class of Alfa’s definitive pre-War flagship, the 8C, including a beautiful 8C 2300 Zagato Spider and 2900A Touring Spider, plus some stunning concepts based on the race-derived Tipo 33.

The brand new Alfa Giulietta, which goes on sale in the UK this summer, will make its UK public debut at the Goodwood event too, forming a key part of the Alfa Romeo ‘showroom’ display in the Festival exhibition area. The stand, whilst showcasing the brand’s illustrious history, will feature this new model, plus a selection of the current Alfa Romeo product range. The new Giulietta will also be displayed as part of the Goodwood ‘Moving Motor Show’ on Thursday 1 July, giving British motorists their very first opportunity to see the car and drive it up the famous Goodwood Hill.Source: Alfa Romeo

Thursday, 18 March 2010

Peugeot UK's IRC Champions Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle are in Argentina, ready for the start of Round three of the 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge on Friday.

After their magnificent win in Brazil, Kris and Paul will start Friday night's opening Super Special stage as favourites in their Peugeot 207 S2000 but they are realistic about their chances. It's their first Rally Argentina, and they'll face tough competition not only from the regular IRC runners but also a number of very fast local drivers. Kris, though, is unfazed by the threat:

"I don't tend to think about it too much. All I can do is believe in my own ability, go out and do my maximum - my safe maximum - on the first 3 stages - safe side of flat out - see what happens, and take it from there."

Rally Argentina is one of the great rallies of the world: this year it consists of 15 stages covering 240.02 km. Fans travel from all over South America to watch the action.

After Friday's Super Special through the streets of Carlos Paz, about an hour's drive from Cordoba, Saturday has a total of seven stages and Sunday a further seven before the final Super Special stage which will see two drivers go head-to-head against the clock.

Kris and Paul will face tough competition in Brazil from local hero and eight times Argentinean Rally Champion Federico Villagra, and Nasser Al-Attiya who finished second in this year's Dakar Rally. Two other Peugeot 207 S2000s are also entered into the rally driven by Bruno Magalhaes and Daniel Oliveira.

Follow the day to day progress of Peugeot UK and Kris Meeke in this year's Rally Argentina via the team's Twitter link www.twitter.com/Peugeotrally video podcasts and web-based Rally Radio hosted on thePeugeot.co.uk web site and all main rally web sites and for, iPhone users, the Peugeot co-sponsored iRally App.Source: Peugeot.co.uk

The story of how Kris Meeke and Peugeot UK won the Intercontinental Rally Championship in their rookie year, from the disastrous opening round in Monte Carlo, to the ecstasy of winning the San Remo rally and the Championship in the same weekend. This is the gripping tale of how Kris and Peugeot defied expectations and made their mark on this highly competitive championship. There are those who felt that Kris was quick but lacked the consistency to succeed at the highest level – but the man from Dungannon proved them wrong in the style of his mentor and rally legend, Colin McRae.The best of Kris is still to come ...More info.

Chinese customers are getting a little less than for their money when they buy a Rolls-Royce Phantom - around 4cms less.

The Roller hit something of road block in China in the middle of last year following the introduction of new laws prohibiting vehicles over 6 metres long driving in cities at night.

It was legislation aimed at reducing congestion by banning trucks - however it collected the Rolls-Royce Phantom as well, all 6m 4cms of it.

"It took three months to re-engineer the bumpers," said Ian Robertson, board member for sales and marketing for BMW, the German owner of Rolls-Royce.

"It held sales up for a while but we are now back on track," he added. Rolls-Royce sales in China have grown from zero five years ago although the company did not provide exact figures for last year.

Robertson said: "The growth in the vehicle market in China is phenomenal. Will it continue at that pace? I doubt it but it will remain strong for the next 10 years and the premium market will grow strongly there as well.

"BMW has added 20 dealers in the past year, we expect to appoint another 10-15 before the end of 2010. It's a case of finding the right partners. China is now our fourth largest market after Germany, USA and UK. BMW Group is currently selling around 100,000 vehicles a year there.

"For this year the market in China will remain explosive. In the US I expect the market to be up by 10-15 per cent, in Russia there are some signs of recovery but we are expecting Germany to be down considerably, maybe by a million cars."

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

Circuits Edition 1 - the illustrated guide to the world's greatest motor racing circuits will be on sale from 22nd March at more than 550 WH Smith high street bookstores across the UK, as well as WH Smith Travel bookstores in stations and airports.Discovery Media Group announces the launch of their superb new publication for motorsport fans - Circuits 2010: the illustrated guide to the world's greatest motor racing circuits.This highly produced 196-page publication explores in detail 50 of the world's greatest motor racing circuits with beautiful hand-drawn illustrations by Motorsport Artist, Brian Casey. Each illustration took more than a week to create from reference material.Each circuit is described in detail, explaining the tracks rise to glory alongside detailed facts and figures about each venue. Additional comment is provided by the stars who have driven the circuits and the people who run the circuits.Joe Saward, internationally recognised motorsports writer, and circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli have contributed their thoughts on what makes a great circuit, while John Hindhaugh, the voice of Radio Le Mans, gives us his impression of the great 24-hour race. Dr Bruce Grant-Braham gives an insight into the links between motorsport and tourism, and editor of the fine Cars for the Connoisseur magazine Charles Harbord tapped into his readers memories and contributed some fascinating stories of circuits from the past.With a foreword by WTCC champion Andy Priaulx, this is the ultimate collector's guide to the best-loved tracks in the world.More info visit: http://www.motorsportcircuitguide.com/

From modest beginnings based in the automotive mecca of Turin, Italy throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, Intermeccanica conceived, designed and produced a dozen different models that shook the motoring world and went on to find homes in museums and collections from Europe to the United States to Japan. Most notable of these models are the Apollo, the Italia and the Indra.From there it was on to California, where Reisner revolutionised the Porsche replicar market with his groundbreaking fibreglass Speedster design, followed by the Roadster RS, which the company continues to produce at its Vancouver, BC, Canada headquarters.Along the way, Reisner and Intermeccanica dealt with, and in one case sued, the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, all the while maintaining an independent streak and maverick spirit that would come to define the man and his company. More info.

Monday, 15 March 2010

Production of the Volkswagen Transporter van officially started in March 1950 and during the 60 years since then it has become one of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ best-selling models globally, the number one imported van in the UK as well as one of the most iconic and popular vans in the world.

With over 10 million produced, the Volkswagen Transporter has evolved through five generations of functional and practical bodystyles, each representing the ultimate multi-purpose vehicle of its time and loved by business and private users alike for transporting goods or people for work or leisure. This unique heritage is the focus of the current ‘Evolution of Van’ advertising campaign for the new Transporter which was launched in the UK in January.

The first T1 ‘split-screen’ model was powered by a four-cylinder, air-cooled, 1.1-litre petrol engine mounted at the back of the vehicle. It produced 25 PS of power and had a top speed of about 60 mph. By comparison, the new Transporter enjoys the refinement of Volkswagen’s latest 2.0-litre, common rail, turbocharged diesel engine, available with power outputs ranging from 84 PS to 180 PS and a top speed of up to 119 mph, plus the latest stability control systems and braking technology that would have sounded like something from a science fiction novel 60 years ago.

Although the design has evolved over the years, the first and the latest Transporter share the same badge on the front and the same design principles of a generous loadspace and an enviable reputation for quality and durability.

Similarly, comparing the latest Volkswagen California with a T1 campervan shows that both make efficient use of the space available to create a vehicle equally suitable for daily trips to work or the shops, as for weekend escapes or continental capers.

Over the years, Volkswagen Transporters have endured challenging round the world trips by enthusiastic travellers, been used as the preferred choice of travel for rock bands since the 1960s to the present day, and been relied upon by many businesses needing a fleet of delivery or passenger carrying vehicles.

The first Transporter was imported into the UK in 1955, and the latest version of the van as well as today’s people-carrying and campervan versions, the Caravelle and California, arrived in the UK this January, 55 years later. Source: Volkswagen.

Friday, 12 March 2010

September 18th 2010 is one date that Triumph fans and all motorcycle enthusiasts need to put in their diaries, as the British manufacturer will be putting on an unmissable festival to celebrate 20 years since the successful re-launch of this iconic brand.

Riders of all marques are invited to enjoy a packed day of entertainment at the Mallory Park race circuit in Leicestershire, with additional activities scheduled to take place at Triumph’s state of the art manufacturing facility nearby in Hinckley.

A full programme of on and off track activities will be laid on, with on track activities including a round of the ‘Triumph Triple Challenge’, special invitation races featuring Triumph’s class-leading Street Triple and Daytona 675 motorcycles, plus mind blowing shows from Triumph’s professional stunt riders.

Off-track, visitors will be able to view the latest range of Triumph motorcycles, together with a selection of some of the UK’s best customised Triumphs. Key bikes from Triumph’s history will also be on display, as part of a unique exhibition exploring 20 years of Hinckley. On top of this, there will be a host of opportunities for visitors to ride the latest line up of bikes from Triumph’s demonstration fleet, both on and off track, along with many other riding activities for visitors to enjoy.

Those looking to kit themselves out with top quality riding apparel will be in for a treat at the Triumph Clothing and Accessories Megastore, where there will be a host of bargains waiting to be snapped up, plus a first chance to purchase items from the 2010 Autumn/Winter clothing collection.

Triumph’s state-of-the-art factory, situated eight miles from Mallory Park, will be open for event visitors to take a tour of the fascinating facility where Triumph’s motorcycles are made.

The company has also promised a few exclusive surprises for fans making the trip to this special event and the party will carry on late into the night, with a full programme of live music planned. More info: www.triumph.co.uk

Thursday, 11 March 2010

Citroën’s high performance coupé, the SM, is celebrating its 40th birthday.

The luxury sports tourer, an alliance between Citroën and Maserati, was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 11th March 1970 - 40 years ago today.

Technically innovative, with a dynamic, yet supremely comfortable ride experience, the Citroën SM was highly regarded for its futuristic styling, prestigious quality, ‘magic-carpet’ suspension and outstanding performance - a unique combination of characteristics not available in any other car at the time.

Officially recognised as a truly exceptional vehicle in the early 1970’s, the SM placed third in the European Car of the Year Awards in 1971 - the winner was Citroën’s GS. The SM also received the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award in the US in 1972.

Powered by a Maserati V6 engine, the SM was one of the fastest front-wheel drive cars of its day, with a top speed in excess of 220km/h (137mph). A competitive performer in motorsport, the SM won its first race at the Morocco Rally in 1971.

Pioneering innovative technology, the SM introduced a new type of variable assist power-steering, which made it easier to manoeuvre at lower speeds and provided greater resistance at higher speeds for improved control and handling.

The car also featured hydro-pneumatic suspension with automatic height correction and six headlamps with automatic levelling. Four power-assisted disc brakes, with independent front and rear circuits, automatically adjusted brake power according to vehicle load and weight distribution.

SM - Citroën’s Maserati-engined SupercarBy Brian Long & Philippe ClaverolThis is the fascinating story of how the Citroën SM came into being, with company politics and Maserati’s involvement covered in detail. The text and pictures then follow the car’s progress from its world premier at the 1970 Geneva Show until the final production models were built in July 1975. More info.

Wednesday, 10 March 2010

A new month, and a new blog header, this time featuring the great photo of the rally-winning Ford Escort, (driven by Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm), as featured on the cover of our forthcoming book The Daily Mirror 1970 World Cup Rally 40.

Lasting six weeks and covering 16,000 miles from London to Mexico City via some of the most varying, tortuous and difficult terrain on three continents, the 1970 World Cup Rally was a unique high-speed event. Attracting many serious works teams such as Ford and British Leyland, it was, and remains, the toughest rally of all time.

The first Beaulieu ‘Simply Ford’ event takes place on Sunday 2nd May and promises to be a great day out for all Ford enthusiasts. All Ford owners are invited to come to Beaulieu in their vehicle and become part of the event. Any model is welcome, from the new Focus RS to the old MK 1 or 2 Escort RS or even a Model T!

All Ford owners taking part have an opportunity to enter the Pride of Ownership competition with the winner receiving a £100 cash prize and a Beaulieu trophy. The winner will be one of twenty vehicles chosen by the judging panel to go on display in the Main Arena and take part in a cavalcade.

For entrants arriving on the day in their Ford and joining the event on the Beaulieu Parkland, individual prices are adult £10 and child £5. To book in advance or for more information about group or club entry and concession prices telephone 01590 612888. All other entries will be via Beaulieu main reception at normal admission prices.

Tuesday, 9 March 2010

This new book from Veloce Publishing, details the origin and history of the Matra sports cars. Racers designed and built by a French firm with no history of sports car racing manufacture to contest the various versions of the World Sports Car Championship between 1966 and 1974. This series of cars started life with the 2-litre BRM engine before progressing to the Ford V8, and subsequently Matra’s own sonorous V12 from its then current Grand Prix car. The book includes the development and race history, with a full list of all race events and individual chassis numbers of Matra cars.
The late 1960s and early 1970s were a significant era in the world of international sports car racing. As the motor racing rule-making body moved back and forth between cars that less and less resembled road going vehicles, prototype sports car racing captured the imagination of manufacturers, teams and fans alike. Porsche vs. Ferrari vs. Alfa Romeo vs. Matra provided some of the best racing for sports cars ever witnessed, and by 1973, the Matra prototype – little more than a Grand Prix car with full bodywork – was dominating the scene. That period has always been viewed as one of the great eras in sports car racing, when all the great Grand Prix drivers were fully active in sports car as well as GP/F1 machines.
This carefully-researched book, which provides the complete story of a great time, and a great make, in motorsport is now available from bookshops or from www.velocebooks.com.

Friday, 5 March 2010

Alpine & Renault – The Sports Prototypes – Volume 1: 1963-1969By Roy Smith.Sports prototype racing is about endurance, for the drivers, for the teams and for the companies involved. In this story we see the effort, the blood, the sweat and the tears, reputations won and lost, life and also death. The cars, some of the most evocative ever seen, are described in detail. We see stunningly beautiful, creative, slippery aerodynamic designs that allowed Alpine to take many class wins and outright victories in championship racing, from 1963 to 1969. You will feel the passion and dedication for racing from interviews with the men involved, illustrated with dramatic period photographs. More info.

Alpine & Renault – The Sports Prototypes – Volume 2: 1973-1978By Roy Smith.Sports prototype racing is about endurance – for the drivers, for the teams, and for the companies involved. Under the new management at Renault, and with assistance from Elf, the state-owned French oil company, Alpine made a remarkable return to sports car racing, vividly described here along with the reputations that were won and lost. More info.

Thursday, 4 March 2010

The smart fortwo edition urbanstyle adds a whole new dimension to the iconic model’s reputation for being ‘big in the city’.

Based on the 2010 passion model, the aggressively-styled edition urbanstyle will be limited to a UK production run of 230 coupé models – 160 units featuring the 71bhp (mhd)engine and 70 with the turbocharged 84bhp unit. A cabriolet version is available as a special order only.

With exclusive dark grey matt finish paintwork, which also extends to the attractive 6-spoke, 15” alloy wheels, and a tridion safety cell in gleaming black, the edition urbanstyle cuts a dash in the most fashionable of places.

The contemporary and sporty feel of the edition urbanstyle is also reflected in its stylish interior. Heated, nappa leather black seats with yellow double stitching and striking reflective stripes set the scene, while the 3-spoke steering wheel and gear shift knob are also finished in supple nappa leather. Door trims, knee pad and the instrument panel benefit from a leather-look finish and eye-catching matt silver details and yellow accents complete the interior’s ambience.

Navigating the bright lights is guaranteed to be an entertaining experience for the edition urbanstyle’s occupants too. In addition to the smart sound system, which provides crisp sound reproduction thanks to its 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range speakers, subwoofer and smart

MP3 interface, the model also has an integrated audio and navigation system. This advanced system incorporates a 5.8” touch screen, iPod®/USB connectivity, Bluetooth and radio/CD.

“The edition urbanstyle offers a unique fusion of cutting-edge style and a level of equipment that features infotainment technology rarely seen in this sector,” said Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars UK.

“smart has always been a trendsetter and the contemporary look and advanced specification of the edition urbanstyle reinforces the perception that the brand is very much a modern design statement.”Source:smart

In the little book of smart, now featuring a brand new extra chapter, author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, with the very latest fortwo line-up promising major sales worldwide and, of course, helping to pave the way for a future for smart in the USA. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book. More info.

Tuesday, 2 March 2010

Picture courtesy of www.cmwi.net: Marcus Dodd and Andrew Bargery heading to victory in the wet conditions on today's Rallye Sunseeker.

Defending champions Marcus Dodd and Andrew Bargery got the defence of their title underway in the best possible fashion with a sensational seventh victory on Rallye Sunseeker held in Bournemouth at the weekend.

Driving the Hyundai Accent WRC the pair emerged 33.7 seconds ahead of the Peugeot Cosworth of Andrew Burton and co driver Robin Kellard, with former ANCRO champion Steve Perez and co driver Paul Spooner claiming third place a further 13 seconds back on the opening round of the 2010 MSA Gravel Rally Championship.

Dodd, from nearby Poole, overcame the disappointment of retiring on last year's event, and also the drenched Dorset forests this year, to run out a clear winner and apart from a couple of moments during the day his only problem was an errant warning light on the last stage.

Burton, who decided not to register for ANCRO points, brought his crowd-pleasing Peugeot Cosworth home in runner-up spot after Perez, the 2004 national champion, suffered a last stage spin which meant the Chesterfield driver had to settle for third place in his Ford Focus WRC07.Towcester's Roger Duckworth and co driver Mark Broomfield had a trouble-free run to fourth place in their Subaru WRC, with Paul Bird, from Penrith, and co driver Kirsty Riddick in their Ford Focus WRC08 putting in a brave drive to finish fifth following the death of his mother last week.

Yorkshiremen Jonny Milner and Ian Windress brought their Toyota Corolla WRC home in sixth after a misfire slowed the former double British champion earlier on. Next up was Anthony Willmington, Dave Weston Jnr and Jonny Greer, but none of them were registered for points leaving Co Durham driver Stephen Petch and co driver John Richardson to claim sixth place ANCRO points following their tenth place finish in the Hyundai Accent WRC.

In the Viking Motorsport Ford Escort Challenge, Richard Lane and co driver Frank Richer took the spoils and the Nissan Micra pairing of Ian Barrett and co driver Gavin Wright claimed victory in the 1400cc Cup.Marcus Dodd: "It's been a very difficult rally and the stages have been as wet as I've ever known them but to win this event for the seventh time is fantastic. One mile from the end of the last stage the water temperature shot through the roof but it was not a problem in the end and to claim victory on my local event is a great start to the year."The next event takes place on 23rd/24th April with the Pirelli Tour of Cumbria which is based in Carlisle.